Abstract: An explosive countermeasure device is designed to negate an electro-optical seeker system of a missile at least temporarily so that it loses lock on a target aircraft. The device has a central explosive charge with a detonator and a container surrounding the charge for holding a noble gas under pressure. When the charge is detonated, the resultant explosive shock wave will heat the gas to a temperature sufficient for it to emit a short, intense flash of light before the container disintegrates, blinding the electro-optical seeker system at least temporarily.

Abstract: A pre-stressed cartridge of the invention generally comprises a cylindrical liner wrapped with a plurality of layers of wound fibers or high tensile wires. These high tension wrapped windings put the walls of the cartridge liner into compression, thus pre-stressing the cylindrical liner. A cartridge constructed in this fashion may develop an ultimate strength in the circumferential direction which approaches ten times the ultimate strength of a typical solid metal cylinder alone. Special reinforcing elements may also be provided, located at the points where the maximum stress is developed upon detonation. Various modifications of this structure include fabricating the liner out of ceramic instead of aluminum, incorporating a steel cup containing the explosive at the base of the internal space of the cartridge, and combining the composite windings with the steel cup to provide a cartridge consisting of a steel cup with the rest of the cartridge being composite fiber windings.

Abstract: A notched cartridge or casing is provided to mitigate the shock damage to a gun barrel or firing chamber when a cartridge with large amounts of explosive or propellant is fired. The cartridge or casing comprising a generally cylindrical shell with an open top end and a closed base is provided with an annular area near the base and a circular area on the base which have reduced wall thicknesses compared to the rest of the cartridge. The annular and circular areas have external surfaces which are inwardly displaced with respect to the outer surface of the remainder of the cartridge. Upon firing of the cartridge, the areas of reduced wall thickness expand outwardly and are plastically deformed without touching the barrel or firing chamber. Damage to the barrel and/or breech is prevented and the cartridge is easily removed for reloading of the gun system.